Foundation garment



2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 26, 1968 .F'IG.4

INVENTOR. EILEEN ROCKWELL BLACK ATTORNEYS .June 2, 1970 E. R. BLACK FOUNDATION GARMENT Filed July 26, 1968 I Sheets$heet 2 IN VEN TOR.

' AOM" ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,515,142 FOUNDATION GARMENT Eileen Rockwell Black, New York, N.Y., assignor to Flexnit Company, Inc., a corporation of Delaware Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 655,203,

July 21, 1967. This application July 26, 1968, Ser.

Int. Cl. A410 1/00 U.S. Cl. 128533 4 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Foundation garment, such as a girdle or the like, provided with wedge-shaped elastic fabric means of greater stretch than the garment body disposed at the side waistline regions to enable the garment to adjust for non-standard waist sizes and to added pressures caused by shifting of the underlying flesh when the wearer sits, stoops, bends, or the like, to eliminate any tendency of the waistline region to roll over or wrinkle, and means at the rear of the garment for transmitting forces developed therein to the torso at locations away from the lower spinal region enabling the garment to provide positive figure control, and proper support in the lower region of the back, while yet enabling the garment to be completely comfortable during use.

This application is a continuation-in-part of United States application for Letters Patent Ser. No. 655,203, filed on July 21, 1967, and entitled Foundation Garment and expressly incorporates as if fully repeated herein the disclosure thereof. 7

This invention releates to foundation garments and, more particularly, to foundation garments constructed and arranged to preclude roll-over or wrinkling of the marginal portion while, at the same time, being capable of transmitting forces developed in the garment to the torso at locations away from the lower spinal region, to thus present foundation garments capable of providing positive figure control, and proper support in the lower region of the back that are yet completely comfortable during use.

At the outset, it is to be expressly understood that the present invention is herein described, disclosed, illustrated and shown as applied to a panty-type girdle for exemplary purposes only, and this invention is not to be deemed limited thereby. The present invention is equally applicable to substantially any other fundation garment, such as open girdles, corsets, back supports, or the like, and even to garments generally for use by both men and women, such as swimsuits, trousers, shorts, pants, or the like, and is equally applicable for use at the waistline region, or at any other opening, such as leg openings.

In a recent market research survey, wherein four hundred women were interviewed in depth for about two hours each and the results tabulated and analyzed, a significant problem regarding girdles and panty girdles was discovered. The report states: The most frequent mentioned complaint about girdles is that the waistbands Patented June 2, 1970 ice roll over. Based solely on consumer complaints, it would seem advisable to make a concerted effort to re-design thewaist area of gridles so that the waist does not bind or roll over. This is, indeed, a difiicult task since women are probably not willing to sacrifice any control or slimming action in return for these improvements.

Attempts to solve these problems in the past have been generally unsatisfactory. The use of boning or wiring causes discomfort, particularly in view of the bulk and lack of flexiblility thereof. Moreover, prior foundation garments have been found to be uncomfortable either because of excessive weight, binding, or the tendency of the garment to ride or bunch.

Additionally, positive assistance in figure control or support is desirable, to aid in enhancing the figure and especially in supporting or controlling the configuration of the spinal column, particularly with a view towards supplementing the inherent degree of figure control of the body or torso. Such additional support or figure control will enable the figure or torso to, in effect, maintain a normal condition of balance, and will further enable it to effect the proper posture and aesthetic appearance.

Having in mind the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide garments such as foundation garments constructed and arranged to reduce the tendency of the marginal regions to roll over, bind or wrinkle which at the same time, are constructed and arranged to transmit the forces developed therein to the torso at locations away from the lower spinal region, thus to present foundation garments capable of providing positive figure control and proper support in the lower region of the back that are yet completely comfortable during use.

Another primary object of the present invention, in addition to the foregoing object, is to provide such garments which are economical to manufacture and which are comfortable and durable during use.

Yet another primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is to provide such garments with means to reduce any tendency of the waistline portion or waistband thereof to roll over, bind, or wrinkle.

Still another primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is to provide such garments capable of automatically and immediately adjusting to added pressures caused by the flesh shifting when the wearer sits, stoops or bends.

Still another primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is to provide such garments with exhibiting excellent control and slimming power.

Another and still further primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is to provide such garments which may be worn comfortably by persons having a Waist measurement which falls between standard waist sizes, or which is non-standard with respect to the hip size.

In addition to each of the foregoing objects, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide garments such as foundation garments constructed and arranged to reduce the tendency of the marginal regions to roll over, bind or wrinkle, and to mold the human torso and provide positive figure control thereto.

Furthermore, it is a primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, to provide foundation garments constructed and arranged to reduce the tendency of the marginal regions to roll over, bind or wrinkle, to mold the human figure or torso, and to provide positive figure control thereto, said foundation garments further being constructed and arranged to aid in imposing thereupon the proper conditions of balance to enable the torso to assume the proper attitude of posture in the absence of any interference with breathing or articulation of movements, while yet further enabling the garments to be worn in complete comfort.

Yet another primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is to provide foundation garments constructed and arranged to reduce the tendency of the marignal regions to roll over, bind or wrinkle, and further being constructed and arranged to mold the human figure or torso, to provide positive figure control thereto, and to be readily articulated, pliable, and contour-conforming.

Another and still further primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is to provide foundation garments constructed and arranged to reduce the tendency of the marginal regions to roll over, bind or wrinkle, said foundation garments further being constructed and arranged to mold the human figure or torso, to provide posture control, and to perform such additional functions as presenting proper support to the lower region of the back, while yet being completely comfortable during use.

The present invention solves the foregoing problems by the insertion of a wedge-shaped section of elastic mesh fabric at each side of the garment which has a greater degree of stretch than the elastic power not body fabrics so that it gives extra stretch at the Waist when the wearer sits, stoops or bends and which can open to add at least one-half size to the garment, and which enables the garment to adjust immediately to the added pressure caused by the flesh shifting when the wearer sits, stoops or bends, thus eliminating the tendency of the waistband to roll over without much loss of control or slimming power. In addition, foundation garments constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention comprise means located generally at the rear thereof constructed and arranged to transmit the forces developed therein to the torso at locations away from the lower spinal region, enabling such foundation garments to mold the human figure or torso, to provide posture control, to perform such additional functions as presenting proper support in the lower region of the back, While yet being completely comfortable during use.

The invention resides in the combination, construction, arrangement and disposition of the various component parts and elements incorporated in improved garments constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention. The present invention will be better understood and objects and important features other than those specifically enumerated above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following details and description, which when taken in conjunction with the annexed drawing describes, discloses, illustrates and shows a preferred embodiment or modification of the present invention and what is presently considered and believed to be the best mode of practicing the principles thereof. Other embodiments or modifications may be suggested to those having the benefit of the teachings herein, and such other embodiments or modifications are intended to be reserved especially as they fall within the scope and spirit of the sub-joined claims.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a foundation garment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the garment shown in FIG- 1, as seen from the interior thereof;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the foundation garment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the foundation garment shown in FIG. 3, as seen from the interior thereof;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the foundation garment shown in FIGS. l-4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional elevational view taken along the line 66 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional plan view taken along the line 77 of FIG. 1

With reference now to the drawing, there is shown and illustrated a foundation garment, such as a panty-girdle, constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and designated generally by the reference character 10. It will be noted that the principles of the present invention are illustrated in the drawing as being applied to a foundation garment of the panty-girdle type, and, it is to be understood, as the ensuing description proceeds, that the present invention is equally applicable to substantially all garments. For example, the principles of the present invention are applicable to complete foundation garments, that is, to the body-encircling portions of long-line brassieres, swimsuits, trousers, and the like.

The garment 10 comprises a torso-encircling portion 12 and generally vertically downwardly extending leg portions 14. The torso-encircling portion 12 is particularly adapted to encompass the lower torso of the wearer, and specifically those portions thereof known as the abdomen, hips and derriere. The leg portions 14 are particularly adapted to encompass the legs of the wearer, and specifically that portion thereof known as the thighs.

The torso-encircling portion 12 comprises panels 16 and 18 joined together, as by stitching along a front center seam line 20, and along a rear center seam line 22. In the embodiment shown, each of the panels 16 and 18 are unitary in construction between the seams 20 and 22, and extend around the respective sides of the garment. It is to be understood, however, that the panels 16 and 18 can be fabricated of a plurality of panels that can be joined together, for example, as by means of stitching along generally vertically extending side seams (not shown). The panels 16 and 18 may be fabricated of any suitable material, and preferably are fabricated of a material having elastic threads extending in each of a plurality of directions. There is thus present more than adequate distensibility in each of said directions.

Each of the panels 16 and 18 comprise generally vertically downwardly extending leg-encompassing sections 26 and 28, respectively, which, in conjunction with other panels of the garment 10, to be described hereinafter, are particularly adapted to encompass the legs of the torso to define the leg-encompassing portions 14. As illustrated, inner panels 30 may be provided, preferably fabricated of the same material as the panels '16 and 18 and associated therewith, as by means of stitching extending along generally vertically extending leg seams 32. It will now be understood that the leg-encompassing portions 14 are particularly adapted to further comprise suitable fasteners 34 for fastening hosiery (not shown) relative to the garment 10.

The panels 16 and 18 are constructed and arranged to provide generally curvilinear recesses 36 and 38 at the front and rear of the garment, respectively, adapted to provide an opening (not shown) in the crotch and lower rear region of the body of the wearer.

Covering the crotch recesses there may be provided inner and outer crotch panels 40 and 42 structurally associated with the panels 16 and 18, as by means of stitching extending along the recesses 36 and 38. The crotch panels 40 and 42 are disposed in overlapping relationship, the inner crotch panel 40 being structurally associated with one of the inner panels 30, as by means of stitching 44, and the outer crotch panel 42 being structurally associated with the other of the inner panels 30,

as by means of stitching 46. The free edges of the overlapped panels 40 and 42 may be overturned, as illustrated, and stitched as by means of stitching 48 to define hems 50.

It will be evident from the foregoing that the inner and outer crotch panels 40 and 42 may be readily shifted or separated, when desired, thus allowing performance of natural body functions without any obstructions or the necessity of removing the garment from the body of the wearer.

The torso-encircling portion 12 of the garment may further comprise abdominal control means, such as a generally elliptical-shaped abdominal control panel 52 structurally associated interiorly of the front of the garment substantially at the front seam line 20. The abdominal control panel 52 preferably comprises elastic material having a primary vertical stretch characteristic, and comprises panel portions or halves 52a and 52b that are structurally associated with the front panels 16 and 18 as by means of the stitching extending along the front center seam line 20, and by stitching 54 extending generally peripherally about the panel 52. This panel may also be structurally associated with the front panels 16 and 18 by means of stitching 53 and 55, which stitching, if desired, may be of generally curvilinear configuration (as shown).

The garment 10 may further comprise an upper marginal region, waistline region or waistband region 56 which, in turn, may comprise a plurality of cut-outs, such as wedge-shaped cut-outs 58 and 60 at each side portion thereof extending generally downwardly of the garment 10 from the upper margin or waistline 62 thereof. Wedgeshaped elastic fabric means, such as wedge-shaped elastic mesh fabric panels 64 and 66 may be structurally associated with the garment 10, and particularly, in upstanding relationship to the cut-outs 58 and 60, that is, extending thereacross and structurally associated with the panels 16 and 18, as by means of stitching extending along the edges of the cut-outs 58 and 60, as shown.

The wedge-shaped inserts or elastic mesh fabric panels 64 and 66 are preferably fabricated of material having generally greater stretch than the panels 16 and 18 to enable the waistline region 56 of the garment 10 to give extra stretch when the wearer sits, stoops or bends. This extra stretch enables the garment to adjust immediately to the added pressure caused by the flesh shifting when the wearer sits, stoops or bends, thus eliminating the tendency of the waistband to roll over, without much loss of control or slimming power.

A secondary benefit is that a woman whose waist size falls between the standard sizes in which garments are normally made can fit into the garment because the mesh inserts 56 can open to add at least one-half size to the garment. A corollary to this benefit is based on the fact that most garments are graded on a so-called standard grade basis; that is, there is a definite and consistent relationship between the hip size and the waist size. While each manufacturer may have his own standards they are generally consistent throughout most of his product line. Since a woman may have a development somewhat at variance with the so-called standard development, this invention permits her to comfortably wear a standard rather than a custom made garment because the mesh inserts 64 and 66 can expand to adjust for slight differences in the wearers measurements, as compared to the standard development, without much loss of control or slimming action.

To further aid in eliminating the tendency of the waistband of the garment 10 to roll over, the upper margin or edge 62 may be disposed well above the designed top or waistline point of the garment, that is, the panels 16 and 18 may be extended well above the designed top or waistline point, with the cut-outs 58 and 60, and the mesh inserts 64 and 66 similarly disposed above the designed top or waistline point of the garment 10, as shown.

Furthermore, the mesh inserts or wedge-shaped elastic mesh fabric panels 64 and 66 may comprise one or a plurality of layers of elastic material. For example, the inserts or wedge-shaped elastic mesh fabric panels 64 and 66 may be inserted in the cut-outs 58 and 60 as a double or folded piece of fabric, as indicated in FIG. 7, the fold lines thereof being disposed at the upper margin 62 of the garment 10 to further define inner layers 65 and 67, respectively. To yet further eliminate the tendency of the Waistband to roll over, the upper marginal region, waistline region or waistband region 56 may further comprise an elastic web 68 adapted to be disposed between the layers of the folded elastic mesh of the inserts 64 and 66 to constrict some of the easy stretch thereof. The elastic web 68 preferably extends substantially completely about or around the garment 10 from the periphery of the portion 52a of the panel 52, to the periphery of the portion 52b thereof.

The upper marginal region, waistline region or waistband region 56 further comprises a waistband or waistband means 70 which is defined by turning the upper margin, region or portion of the panels 16 and 18 interiorly upon themselves. Therefore, that portion of the waistband 70 defined by the panel 16 comprises an outer layer 72 and an inner layer 74, and that portion of the waistband defined by the panel 18 comprises an outer layer 76 and an inner layer 78 (FIG. 7). The lower edge of the inner layers 74 and 78 are of irregular configuration-with the lower edge of the layer 74 being defined by the reference character 80, and the lower edge of the inner layer 78 being identified by the reference character 82.

As hereinbefore pointed out, the elastic web- 68 may extend substantially completely about or around the garment from the periphery of the portion 52a of the panel 52, across the back or rear of the garment, and to the periphery of the portion 52b of the abdominal control panel. At the front of the garment, the web 68 may be connected to the inner layer 74 along the line of stitching 54 at the periphery of the portion 52b and to the inner layer 78 along the line of stitching 54 at the periphery of the portion 52a. The web is also connected completely along the length of its lower edge to the inner and outer layers of the waistband 70 along the lower edges 80 and 82 of the inner layers 74 and 78, respectively, as by means of suitable stitching. In this connection, it will now be understood that the configuration of the lower edge of the web 68 corresponds to that of the edges 80 and 82. In all other respects, the web is free floating inbetween the layers of the waistband 70.

It will also be understood, at this point, that the inner and outer layers are only connected to one another along the edges 80 and 82. They are not connected toone another at any other point or location about the circumference of the garment. At the front of the garment, the outer layers are connected to the portions 52a and 52b along the front center seam 20, and also at the periphery of these portions along the lines of stitching 54. The inner layers are also connected to the portions 52a and 52b of the panel 52 interiorly of the garment at the seam 20, but at the periphery of these portions the inner layers are connected only to the two ends of the web 68. Proceeding about the garment, the inner and outer layers are not connected to one another along the lines of stitching 58 and 60. These lines of stitching serve merely to connect the mesh inserts 64 and 66 with the inner and outer layers of the band 70. At the rear of the garment, and particularly along the rear center seam 22 the inner layers are not connected with one another. Rather, only the outer layers 72 and 76 are connected with one another, and the inner layers 74 and 78 are connected with one another. As hereinbefore pointed out, the web 68 stands free or is free floating between these inner and outer layers.

Accordingly, the top or upper margin 62 will stay in place on the torso while providing a gradual easing of elastic downwardly towards the bottom of the cut-outs 58 and 60. In the particular garment shown and illustrated, the mesh inserts 64 and 66 have been set into the cut-outs, but a similar effect could also be etfectuated by running the long easy stretch elastic all around the top of the garment to become a part of the turnback design at the front of the garment shown and illustrated, for example, in FIG. 7.

The lower marginal portion of the garment 10, and particularly, the lower ends of the leg, portions 26 and 28 preferably are provided with cut-outs 84 and 86 of aesthetically irregular configuration within which panels 88 and 90, respectively, are particularly adapted to be disposed. The panels 88 and 90 preferably are fabricated of elastic mesh fabric, and are inserted within each of the cut-outs 84 and 86 and structurally associated therewith, as by stitching. The lower margin of the inserts 88 and 90 may be turned back upon themselves to provide a narrow elastic web 92 at each insert. In addition, and if desired, a narrow elastic band 94 of soft material may be structurally associated interiorly of the leg sections 26 and 28 along the lower edges thereof.

The garment 10, further comprises control means 96 disposed at the rear of the garment, and comprising rear control panels 98 and 100. These panels, and the panels 16 and 18, are all connected along the rear center seam 22, and in addition, the panels 98 and 100 are structurally associated with the panels 6 and 8 respectively, along control edges 102 and 104, respectively.

The edges 80 and 82 each have edge portions 106 and 108. The edge portions 106 extend from the front of the garment at the center seam about the sides of the garment, and the edge portions 108 extend from the rear of the garment at the center seam 22 thereof towards the sides of the garment. The edge portions 106 and 108 are each of curvilinear configuration and meet at the rear of the garment but towards the sides thereof. The control edges 102 and 104 in effect constitute extensions of the portions 106 and extend from the point at which the portions 106 and 108 meet to the recess 38 at the rear of the garment. The configuration of the control edges 102 and 104 correspond generally with the configuration of the derriere. The panels 98 and 100- may be fabricated of any suitable material, and they are preferably fabricated of a material having an elastic stretch characteristic in each of a plurality of directions.

In accordance with the foregoing, it is now believed readily apparent that the garment 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention fulfill each and every one of the above-mentioned objects. Particularly, the garment 10 is economic to manufacture, comfortable in use, is constructed and arranged to eliminate the tendency of the waistband to roll over without much loss of control or slimming power, is capable of being comfortably worn by wearers having dimensions falling between standard girth sizes or wearers having a non-standard development, and that the principles of the present invention are equally applicable to garments in general, and more particularly to garments other than panty-girdles.

Equally important, the control means 96 at the rear of the garment is structurally operatively associated with the waistband means 70 at the rear of the garment to provide for figure or posture control by applying supporting forces to the lower spinal or lumbar region of the back. This is accomplished because of the structurally operative association between the control means 96 and the waistband means 70 at the rear of the garment, and this operative association is defined by the relationship between the control edges 102 and 104 of the control means 96, and the edge portions 106 and 108 of the edges 80 and 82. Thus, as is now considered readily apparent, the panels 98 and 100 of the control means 96 are connected to the waistband means 70 and to the panels 16 and 18 at the rear of the garment along the portions 108 of the edges and 82, they are also connected to the panels 16 and 18 along the control edges 102 and 104, and the control edges in effect function as extensions of the portions 106 of the edges 80 and 82. As a result, the forces developed by or at the control means 96 and performing the aforesaid supporting functions are transmitted towards the sides and the front of the garment, and thus to regions of the torso more fully capable of receiving such forces. At the same time, the wearer enjoys complete freedom of movement while wearing the garment of the present invention.

It is to be expressly understood that terminology such as upper, lower, front, or rear, upwardly and downwardly, as used in the preceding description and the subjoined claims, along with other similar directional terminology, is to be construed and interpreted in its normal and accepted sense. However, such terminology is not to be construed or interpreted in a limiting sense either in the preceding description or the subjoined claims, since the same is used merely to facilitate an understanding of, and to clearly set forth and particularly define the present invention.

While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in terms of an embodiment or modification which it has assumed in practice, the scope of the invention should not be deemed to be limited by the precise embodiment or modification herein described, disclosed, illustrated or shown, such other embodiments or modifications as may be suggested to those having the benefit of the teachings herein being intended to be reserved especially as they fall within the scope and breadth of the claims hereto appended.

What is claimed is:

1. Foundation garment comprising, in combination, torso-encircling panel means adapted to overlie the lower torso of a body for molding and supporting fleshy body tissues and fabricated of elastic power net body fabric means; wedge-shaped elastic fabric insert means extending generally downwardly of the waistline at opposite side marginal portions thereof for adjusting to added pressures caused by shifting flesh when the wearer moves so that any tendency towards rolling over and wrinkling of the waistline will be substantially reduced or precluded and comprising an elastic mesh of greater distensibility of sufficient dimensional extent to enable compensation for torsos having waistline girth between a standard garment size and the next larger standard garment size and to enable automatic compensation for non-standard development; elastic band means encircling the waistline region and structurally associated with said panel means for providing increased support thereat and configured for increased width at the sides thereof to compensate for the decreased control caused thereat by the presence of said insert means; and control means disposed at the rear of the garment secured at an upper end portion thereof with said band means and at a lower end portion thereof with said panel means to transmit forces developed therein downwardly of the torso at locations away from the lower spinal region for providing positive figure control and support at the lower region of the back.

2. Foundation garment defined in claim 1 wherein said waistline portion is extended beyond the designed waistline point of the garment and is provided with generally triangular downwardly extending cut-outs, and wherein said wedge-shaped means is inserted and secured within said cut-outs.

3. Foundation garment defined in claim 1 wherein said panel means comprises edge portions, one edge portion extending from the front of the garment, about the sides and towards the rear thereof, and the other edge portion extending from the rear of the garment toward the sides thereof and wherein said control panels are structurally operably associated and secured with said panel means at the rear of the garment along control edges, said control edges comprising a continuation of said one of said 3,221,750 12/1965 Blair 128-540 edge portions. 3,245,410 4/1966 Martin 128-541 4. Foundation garment defined in claim 3 wherein 3,255,757 6/1966 Marino 128-556 said control panels are fabricated of a distensible ma- 3,270,747 9/1966 Cuozzi 128-535 terial having an elastic stretch characteristic in each of 5 a plurality of directions, ADELE M. EAGER, Primary Examiner References Cited CL XR. UNITED STATES PATENTS 128 541 546 2,104,277 1/1938 Schopbach et a1. 128556 1 2,563,308 8/1951 Chase et al. 128556 

